Top reasons to visit Surabaya
- Diverse Attractions: Surabaya boasts a variety of mosques, modern bridges, and monuments that showcase its rich cultural heritage.
- Vibrant Neighbourhoods: Explore lively areas like Pakuwon Indah, known for its friendly locals and hidden gems.
- Shopping and Dining: Enjoy bustling shopping centres and a diverse range of restaurants offering local and international cuisine.
- Family-Friendly Activities: The city is perfect for family outings, with numerous attractions catering to all ages.
- Comfortable Accommodation: Surabaya offers a range of hotels and guesthouses, ensuring a pleasant stay for all visitors.
Find great hotels in Surabaya
Discover a range of exceptional accommodation options in Surabaya, from modern hotels to charming guesthouses, catering to both business and leisure travellers. Whether you're seeking a spa-themed retreat or a family-friendly experience, Surabaya hotels offer a wealth of amenities to enhance your stay. Explore the best hotels in the area, ensuring a comfortable and memorable visit to this vibrant city.
- Four Points by Sheraton Surabaya, Tunjungan Plaza: Nestled in the heart of Surabaya, this 4-star hotel boasts a remarkable guest rating of 9.4. Ideal for families and business travellers alike, it offers a city-themed experience with a range of amenities tailored for children, including a free crib and a children's pool. The hotel’s central location allows easy access to local attractions, making it a perfect base for exploring the vibrant city. Guests appreciate the thoughtful touches, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable stay.
- JW Marriott Surabaya: As a prestigious 5-star establishment with a guest rating of 9.2, JW Marriott Surabaya epitomises luxury and family-friendly hospitality. This hotel offers an array of amenities, featuring a complimentary children's club and a well-equipped pool area, ensuring that young guests are well catered for. Its elegant design and superior service create an indulgent atmosphere, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a lavish vacation experience in Surabaya. The hotel’s prime location adds to its allure, providing easy access to the city's best sites.
- Fairfield by Marriott Surabaya: A solid 4-star option with a guest rating of 8.6, Fairfield by Marriott Surabaya is particularly suited for business travellers. The hotel delivers essential amenities and a professional atmosphere, making it ideal for work-related trips. While it may focus on business needs, the comfortable accommodations ensure a pleasant stay for all types of visitors. Located conveniently within Surabaya, it offers a practical choice for those looking to balance work and leisure during their visit.
Where to stay in Surabaya
Surabaya offers a delightful blend of culture and modernity, making it an ideal destination for families and business travellers alike. Explore its walkable streets filled with friendly locals, and uncover hidden gems in vibrant neighbourhoods like Pakuwon Indah. With convenient locations and a relaxed atmosphere, Surabaya is perfect for excursions, whether you're seeking budget-friendly options or a tranquil retreat. Experience the rich vibe of this bustling city and its surrounding areas for an unforgettable getaway.
- Wonocolo: Nestled within Surabaya, Wonocolo is a charming village that attracts a steady stream of travellers year-round. The area sees a surge in visitors during May, July, and September, primarily drawn by its family-friendly atmosphere and business opportunities. Popular for its shopping centres and malls, Wonocolo also boasts local landmarks such as mountains, monuments, and memorials that add to its allure. A visit here promises a blend of urban experiences and cultural exploration, making it a delightful stop for any tourist.
- Kapasari: Also situated in Surabaya, Kapasari is a vibrant village that welcomes visitors with its seasonal charm. Peak travel months from February to April see families and business travellers alike exploring the area's shopping centres and malls. Nearby attractions include sports facilities and parks, perfect for leisure and recreation. Kapasari's unique blend of urban vibes and local culture makes it an exciting destination for those looking to immerse themselves in the bustling life of Surabaya.
- Gubeng: Gubeng is a lively neighbourhood located in the heart of Surabaya, known for its consistent flow of visitors throughout the year. With peaks in July, September, and December, it attracts families and business travellers seeking a vibrant city experience. The area is home to numerous shopping centres, malls, and educational institutions, alongside notable landmarks such as modern universities, mountains, and piazza squares. Gubeng's dynamic atmosphere and diverse offerings make it an essential part of any Surabaya itinerary.
Things to do in Surabaya
Surabaya is an excellent destination for families, business travellers, and city explorers alike. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including shopping at bustling centres and exploring diverse restaurants. Key attractions and day trips reveal the city's vibrant culture while allowing for an exciting experience amidst local tourist crowds. Whether you're delving into Surabaya's educational offerings or seeking leisure, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
Shopping
In Surabaya, visit Tunjungan Plaza, a vibrant mall with numerous shops and eateries. For a more local experience, head to Pasar Atom, a bustling market offering a variety of souvenirs. If you're up for a drive, check out Pakuwon Mall, located about 19.3km away, featuring a mix of international brands.
Recreation
Experience the tranquil Oasis Spa, where you can indulge in traditional Indonesian massages and rejuvenating body treatments. Visit Taman Bungkul Park for a leisurely stroll amid lush greenery, or join a yoga session at the serene Green Lake View to restore your inner peace.
Adventure
Explore Taman Safari II, where you can drive through a wildlife park and get up close with exotic animals. For a thrilling experience, trek the slopes of Mount Bromo, witnessing the stunning sunrise over the volcanic landscape and the breathtaking views of the caldera.
Nightlife
Surabaya's nightlife buzzes with energy, from the vibrant bars in the city centre to the lively clubs in Tunjungan Plaza. Enjoy cocktails at the stylish Social House or dance the night away at The Wave, a popular spot for both locals and visitors alike.
*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Surabaya
- The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay in Surabaya are February, April and June, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to July to August and October, where prices are slightly higher.
- The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay in Surabaya is Saturday. The most expensive day to stay in Surabaya is Tuesday.
- Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool enables you to specify your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can organise your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, allowing you to easily find the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you can refine your choices by hotel category; for instance, by selecting the Eco-certified filter, you will be presented with sustainable and environmentally friendly accommodation options available for booking.
- Consider bundling your trip: You can make significant savings by combining your hotel accommodation in Surabaya with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.
Find the best attractions in Surabaya
Surabaya is an excellent destination for family, city, and business-themed holidays. Visitors can explore a variety of attractions, including mosques, modern bridges, and monuments, which highlight the city's rich culture. Whether you're seeking a family experience or a taste of urban life, Surabaya offers a diverse range of points of interest that cater to all types of travellers.
- House of Sampoerna: Visit this historic house that offers a glimpse into Indonesia's rich cultural heritage. Once a tobacco factory, it now houses a museum showcasing the art of cigar-making and the history of Surabaya, providing an immersive experience steeped in local culture.
- Al Akbar Mosque: This stunning mosque, known for its impressive architecture and serene atmosphere, is a significant religious site in Surabaya. Visitors can admire its grand dome and intricate designs while enjoying the peaceful surroundings, making it a perfect spot for reflection.
- Suramadu Bridge: As the longest bridge in Indonesia, Suramadu offers breathtaking views of the Madura Strait. This modern marvel connects Surabaya to Madura Island, providing a unique opportunity to appreciate both the engineering feat and the vibrant cityscape of Surabaya.
Best time to go to Surabaya
The best time to visit Surabaya can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature in Surabaya falls in October, when visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature in Surabaya falls in February, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with frequent rain.
The nearest major airports for your trip to Surabaya
Surabaya is primarily served by Juanda International Airport (SUB), located approximately 14.5km from the city centre. Nearby, the Sheraton Surabaya Hotel and Towers and JW Marriott Surabaya, both 5-star hotels, offer various transportation services, including airport shuttles and transfers. Shangri-La Surabaya, also a 5-star hotel, is 12.9km from the airport and provides shuttle services. Alternatively, Malang Airport (MLG) is situated 75.6km away, with options like Hotel Tugu Malang and The Singhasari Resort offering airport shuttles and transport services, ensuring easy access for guests. Whether staying in Surabaya or Malang, comfortable accommodations and transport options are readily available.